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Birth Control Options

There are many different types of birth control, some of which contain hormones and some of which do not. Ask your provider to review options so you can decide together which is best for you.

Contraceptive options include:

  • Oral contraceptive pills (birth control pills)
  • Vaginal rings
  • Patch
  • Injections
  • Implants
  • Intrauterine devices
  • Barrier methods
  • Sterilization

Choosing a type of birth control is a decision that should take into consideration many things, including but not limited to:

  • Efficacy
  • Side effect profile
  • Personal preference
  • Chronic health conditions
  • Whether you are breastfeeding

 

Oral Contraceptive Pills

There are many types of oral contraceptive pills (OCPs). Most include two hormones called estrogen and progesterone. There are different types and strengths of estrogen and progesterone and the doses vary between OCPs. Every type of pill has a specific combination of estrogen and progesterone in a specific dose. When choosing an OCP, your personal medical history and preferences will be taken into consideration. Every person adjusts differently to each birth control pill type, so you may experience side effects on a pill that your friend may not.

Possible minor pill side effects:

  • Light bleeding between periods
  • Breast soreness
  • Weight gain or loss
  • Nausea
  • Headaches
  • Skin changes (acne)

These changes may happen in the first two or three pill cycles. Most women have very few side effects, if any. If the symptoms last longer than two or three pill packs, call your provider to discuss a possible pill change.

Possible major pill side effects:

  • Elevated blood pressure
  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Blood clots in the legs or lungs

Pill users have an increased chance for these side effects, although the potential is very small in healthy women. Smoking, high blood pressure, and diabetes increase this risk and should be discussed with your healthcare provider.

 

Contraceptive Injection

Depo Provera is an injection that contains medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) which is a type of progestin, a form of progesterone. The injection is given in the office every 12 weeks.

 

Implantable Contraception

Nexplanon is a flexible rod that is placed under the skin of your arm by a healthcare provider. It contains a hormone called etonogestrel. It can be used for up to three years and can be removed at any time.

 

Intrauterine Devices (IUD)

There are five types of IUDs available (see below for details). IUDs require insertion in our office. If you are interested in having an IUD placed, please contact our office for more information. We will need to verify that your insurance will cover the IUD and the insertion. The best time to have an IUD placed is during your period.

Mirena & Liletta (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system) are progestin hormone releasing systems placed in your uterus to prevent pregnancy for up to 6 years. They may also be used to treat heavy periods or other menstrual irregularities.

Kyleena (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system) is a lower dose progestin hormone releasing system placed in your uterus to prevent pregnancy for up to 5 years.

Skyla (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system) is the lowest dose progestin hormone releasing system placed in your uterus to prevent pregnancy for up to 3 years.

Paragard is a non-hormonal intrauterine system placed inside your uterus to prevent pregnancy for up to 10 years. In place of hormones, the Paragard IUD uses copper as the active ingredient for pregnancy prevention.

 

Barrier Methods

A diaphragm is a barrier contraceptive. A diaphragm must be fitted in the office and a prescription is necessary. Please contact our office for more information or to set up an appointment for sizing.

Condoms are another type of barrier contraceptive.

 

Sterilization

Sterilization is a permanent form of contraception. There are many types of sterilization procedures for both women and men.

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